Salsa and Sunshine

An April 2002 trip to Varadero by spanishflea

Quote: Ahhh, the sunshine, the beautiful beach, and the amazing people make this one of my top destinations!

Salsa and Sunshine

Overview

Quote:

My most memorable moment had to have been going to a Cuban's home to have supper with them twice. They were such wonderful hosts and the meal they cooked us had to have been some of the BEST lobster I have ever eaten! They never asked for anything in return, just our company! Considering that they have next to nothing, this was a very touching experience! Although, I must say that I became quite jealous of their living arrangements, the whole family lived together and their home was beautiful!Quick Tips: Bring things to give away! It is kinda like being Santa, use the opportunity to spead a little of your fortunes onto others. Do not feel like you have to do any of these things--it is complet...Read More

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Lti Tuxpan

Hotel

Quote:

The beds were hard, hard, hard, hard . . . Okay, now that I got that out I feel better! The hotel in my opinion was PERFECT! It was smaller compared to the others in the area and I had one killer view of the ocean! The security guards were terrific, evening entertainment was top notch, and the staff was quite good. I was once on a Baja cruise and the entertainment there horrid compared to Tuxpan. I really could not have been happier with my stay there, it was fabulous (minus the board-like bed). The room we were in had two single beds, a dresser, a phone (which I never figured out how to use), a safety deposit box, a tub and shower, and a balcony. There was a Mexican restaurant at the resort and...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

Lti Tuxpan
Avenue de Las Américas
Varadero, Cuba

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Brisas Del Caribe

Hotel

Quote:

This was a higher-rated hotel than the one in Tuxpan, but it did not do it for me. I thought the hotel was too big for my liking and I found it was harder to get to know the staff. I found the evening entertainment to be geared more towards a family. It was not a good hotel for me, but I would not hesitate to tell another person to stay there. The location of this resort was too far away from town, but if you are the type to stay at the resort the entire time, this will not be a concern! The food made me sick at this resort which could have happened anywhere. I did enjoy the beach, the pools, and the rooms. I made some nice Cuban friends at this resort but will not return to this hotel.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

Brisas Del Caribe

Varadero, Cuba

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Don't expect 5 star dining

Restaurant

Quote:

The food fills your belly, and it is alright but nothing amazing. I never got sick at one of the resorts but got sick at the second one. I think that it is hit and miss with the food. I am more of a meat and potatoe kind of girl so I did not mind the food served there, and anytime I did not like what was being served I simply had beer to fill me up. Either way I loved Cuba and had a great time...food does not make or break a holiday!!:)

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

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Discoteca La Bamba

Attraction | "La Bamba"

Quote:

Sometimes this place was D-E-A-D but other times is was hopping alright! It was an enjoyable place to learn some dancing without every eye staring at you. A warning to the ladies, the Cuban men are overly nice for a reason... they want to marry you or just sleep with you. Either way I would advise against becoming involved with the-m-remember they try to bed different girls every week. (Just a tad dirty!) I found that they are nice to dance with and that is it. I saw a couple of my friends fall head-over-heel for these guys and no good comes of it. Not all the men are this way, but I doubt you will find a keeper in the resorts...and besides, who goes on vacation to find a boyfriend anyway! I take mine...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

Discoteca La Bamba
Ave. de Las Américas km 4
Varadero, Cuba 40200
+53 5 667560

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Jeep Safari Tour

Attraction

Quote:

CHALLENGE JEEP SAFARI 9:00am - 5:30pm (Daily) Get ready for a ride you 'll never forget! See Cuba from the inside!! A bit of history, archaeology, lots of landscape, driving through sugar cane fields--all in all, an unforgettable experience. On zodiacs or a boat, cruise the Canimar River with a typical Cuban lunch riverside. Some horseback riding or rowing? Why not!! This is a a 4x4 jeep tour not to be missed!!!! An exciting driving adventure awaits through the province of Matanzas. After driving through small villages discovering some of the most beautiful aspects of nature, this tour will show you the real Cuba! You will stop at the Camarioca village, where you have the ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

Jeep Safari Tour
any hotel
Varadero, Cuba

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Getting to Havana

Attraction

Quote:

OK, so you want to go to Havana? Take my advice, you do have options on how to get there! My first time there, I thought that there was only one way...not true!! Here they are: Cab$$$$$ -- This is the most expensive way to go, but comfortable and with air-conditioning. I approached several cabbies about this option and the best bartering I could do was $90 US. If this option appeals to you, try harder, I am sure they would do it for less. Private Cab -- Not as expensive but illegal. If you are adventurous, go for it. Two of my family members used this option and had a terrific time and it only cost them $20/each. The driver spoke almost no English but it was an adventure! The tour!...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 10, 2003

Getting to Havana
anywhere
Varadero, Cuba